The calculating dead

Too often, according to some in the profession, they’re portrayed as number-crunching nerds, when in fact many are numbers-crunching hipsters.

To prove it, and perhaps attract some new customers along the way, one accounting firm is turning on the tube: Bohemia accounting firm Cerini & Associates has tied its latest marketing program to popular television shows.

The idea, according to managing partner Ken Cerini, is to show that many accountants “are actually quite cool.” To that end, Cerini has released a “Walking Dead”-themed Tax Survival Guide – filled with zombies, tax tips and other horrifying content – and is working on a new press release with a “Game of Thrones” feel.

According to Cerini, the TV approach is working: The undead tax guide enjoyed more hits than any other item in the firm’s February electronic newsletter.

“We’re just trying to show there’s more to accountants than glasses, tape and pocket protectors,” Cerini told Confidential. “And by the way, who does your taxes?”